Archives for April 2013

At the request of the conference organizers, I am pleased to bring to your attention an upcoming event in Indianapolis, called the Reforming Families Conference (RFC), which will be held August 13–16. This conference is sponsored by my friends at the Free Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis. I will be speaking there along with David Murray, Geoff Banister, David McClelland, and Brad Baugham.

I am encouraged by the RFC’s overarching emphasis of semper reformans, semper reformanda— “always reformed, always reforming.” Speaking topics this year will include: Christ Our Bridegroom, Recognizing Our God-Glorifying Roles, Understanding Headship and Submission, Getting Along in the Family of God, Preventing Authority Abuse & Conflict, Covenantal Foundations for Parenting, Godly Living, Using Technology Effectively in the Family, Bringing Children to Christ, and Living In the Power of Gratitude.

In a day where there are increased attacks and pressures upon the home, this conference provides not only great topics for building up families in Christ, but also provides a unique venue for building friendships and potentially life-long relationships with like-minded people.

I hope you’ll consider attending this conference and bringing your family. You can find out more by going here or by emailing the conference director, Ryan Elliott.

In the meantime, here is a video blog from my colleague, David Murray, regarding this conference.

Yesterday more than forty builders and sub-contractors walked through Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary with a view to offering their services for the proposed addition. Four builders have been asked to submit their bids by next week Wednesday. Pray that God may bless these efforts and guide us to the builder that would best serve us.

My wife and I overnighted on the plane from Hawaii to Seattle. From there, she continued home to Michigan, and I went on to beautiful Chilliwack, British Columbia, arriving in time on Wednesday morning to attend our annual denominational meetings, which began with an office-bearers’ conference. Rev. Danny Hyde spoke to us helpfully on church planting, and a great discussion followed. That evening Rev. David Lipsy preached a practical synodical prayer sermon on not growing weary.

On Thursday morning, our Theological Seminary Committee met for a few hours with about twenty ministers and elders in attendance. Synod 2013 then convened for several hours, after which the ministers and elders fellowshipped for a few hours at the home of Rev. and Mrs. James Greendyk. Our discussion this year was focused primarily on how to pastor parents who experience the heavy loss of children dying in the womb or in infancy and on pastoring individuals who express suicidal thoughts or family members who experience the trauma of a dear one committing suicide. Please pray that ministers would have wisdom for serving dear people in such painful situations.

Molokai’s Rugged North Shore

Monday Mary and I took a helicopter ride of a lifetime over beautiful West Maui and Molokai. The magnificent sea cliffs (highest in the world), valleys, and waterfalls on Molokai’s isolated north shore (most of which are inaccessible by land), are truly God-exalting and breath-taking.

Pastor Rob Ventura (psrventura@verizon.net) asked me to spread the word about the Southern New England Reformation Conference, taking place in Rhode Island on May 3 and 4. Topics covered will include loving your spouse, leading family worship, raising children and teens, and Puritan evangelism. For more information, see the brochure.